Tea with Jodi S2-E1 - Doula Roundtable, Part 1 0f 3

The conversation centered around the professionalization and integration of doulas in the medical system. Speakers emphasized the importance of doulas in improving birth experiences, lowering cesarean rates, and creating positive trends in the birth industry. They also discussed the economic factors driving the increase in cesarean sections and the need for a comprehensive approach to evidence-based birth practices that balances medical expertise with empowered motherhood. Speakers highlighted the importance of prioritizing birthing persons' autonomy and informed decision-making, and raised concerns about the medical establishment's control over birth.

Summary

• Doula agency ownership with 5 owners from across the US. 0:08

  • Kimberly Fleming, founder of Redwood Doulas, provides doula support in California and Washington.

  • Tracy Abney, founder of Rocket City Doulas, offers support from pregnancy to postpartum in North Alabama.

  • Speaker 4 expresses gratitude for friendship and support among agency owners.

  • Aida Algarin introduces Central Carolina Doulas, providing services to military families in North Carolina.

• Positive changes in the birth industry, including alternative pushing positions and empowering women. 5:45

  • Speaker 6 highlights positive change in birth industry: closing the pushing trend, credit to Brittany McCollum.

  • Speaker 6 discusses impact of doulas on birth experience, particularly in southeastern Pennsylvania.

  • Local expert Britney educates medical providers on alternative pushing positions in Philadelphia hospitals.

  • Speaker 4 notes shift from bed-centric to empowering positions during childbirth.

• Positive changes in birth industry, including increased awareness of maternal mental health, support for partners, and informed consent. 12:06

  • Speaker 5 highlights the growing awareness of maternal mental health, including prenatal resources and insurance coverage.

  • Speaker 1 agrees, noting positive trends in mental health awareness over the past 20 years.

  • Speaker 1 & 2 discuss postpartum depression awareness and support, highlighting the importance of involving all partners in the family.

  • Businesses and corporations are starting to provide parental leaves, making it more accessible for families to care for their children.

  • Tracy sees positive changes in birth industry, such as more informed parents seeking evidence-based information.

  • Tracy highlights the need for informed consent, where parents feel comfortable declining procedures against medical advice.

• Shift in birth work culture, with new providers embracing evidence-based practices and doulas building relationships with providers for better client outcomes 20:11

  • New physicians are following evidence-based medicine, making birth experiences more positive (Speaker 3)

  • Community is seeing shifts in provider attitudes and practices, leading to better care for clients (Speaker 4)

  • Speaker 4 shares their experience as an early doula, recognizing the need for positive relationships with providers to better serve clients.

  • Speaker 4 advocates for a cohesive team approach in birth and parenting, prioritizing clients' needs and interests.

• Doulas' role in supporting patients and providers, with a focus on respect and education. 25:52

  • Doulas help steer clients away from hospitals with high C-section rates.

  • Consultants help clients evaluate hospital choices based on alignment with birth goals.

• Birth and postpartum experiences, including hospital choices and patient advocacy. 29:18

  • Speaker 2 shares personal goal of providing informed consent to clients, highlighting hospital with high cesarean rate and low breastfeeding success.

  • Speaker 2 advises clients to consider Tacoma General Hospital or birth center attached to a hospital with Franciscan midwives, citing better nurse training and new birth tubs.

  • Speaker 2 highlights the importance of building relationships with nurses and hospital admins for patient advocacy.

  • Speaker 3 emphasizes the value of forming connections with nurses as a doula, both for personal and professional growth.

  • Doula shares experiences and insights from working with hospitals and communities.

     

    Link: Michigan Family Doulas

    Participants:

    Lacey Morgan - founder of King of Prussia Doulas

    Kymberly Fleming - founder of Redwood Doulas, provides doula support in California and Washington

    Aida Algarin - founder of Central Carolina Doulas, providing services to military families in North Carolina

    Celeste Kraft - Michigan Southeast Based Agency Owner

    Tracy Abney - founder of Rocket City Doulas, offers support from pregnancy to postpartum in North Alabama

    Transcripts: Doula 'Roundtable' Conversation, segment 1 of 3